Elliott Eyes Serie A Switch as Liverpool Revolution Gains Pace | OneFootball

Could Elliott’s Anfield days be numbered amid Slot’s ruthless rebuild?

As Arne Slot begins shaping his Liverpool side in his own image, one of Anfield’s most creative academy products could be edging closer to the exit door. Sources have told Football Insider that Harvey Elliott is growing increasingly likely to leave Liverpool this summer—with a move to Serie A firmly on the cards.

Elliott, 22, recently rejected a switch to Nottingham Forest, with insiders suggesting the midfielder felt Nuno Espírito Santo’s tactical setup did not suit his strengths. The former Fulham youngster, who dazzled with his technical finesse and vision in his teenage years, reportedly seeks a more possession-dominant environment to maximise his creative output.

Liverpool’s Shift in Identity

Slot’s appointment signals a change in tactical priorities, particularly around intensity and off-the-ball discipline. Liverpool’s backroom staff, while admirers of Elliott’s ball-playing qualities, are understood to harbour doubts about his ability to press with the relentlessness their system demands.

The arrival of Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong and advanced talks over star midfielder Florian Wirtz—who turned down Bayern Munich—point to a shift towards greater athleticism and tactical versatility in midfield. The Reds are also pushing to seal a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, seen as a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson.

Elliott’s Numbers Tell a Tale

Since his Liverpool debut in the 2019/20 season, Elliott has amassed the following stats:

While his involvement peaked during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, his role has steadily diminished in the current season. Slot’s aggressive recruitment suggests Elliott may no longer be viewed as a key pillar in Liverpool’s future.

Italy Calling?

Sources suggest that Elliott’s style could be a perfect fit for Serie A—a league where tempo is more controlled, and creative midfielders are afforded greater influence. Two top Italian clubs are already circling, and while no bids have been tabled yet, discussions are believed to be underway behind the scenes.

There is also low-key interest from Bundesliga sides, but the technical demands and tactical freedom available in Italy appear to make Serie A the front-runner should Elliott decide to move abroad.

What Next?

Slot’s intent is clear: Liverpool will not stand still. With key reinforcements targeted and a firm eye on succession planning, players once seen as integral may now find themselves on the fringes. Elliott, beloved by many Reds fans for his flair and work ethic, may well be one of the first high-profile casualties of the new regime.

His potential departure—far from a failure—could instead be a fresh beginning. In Serie A, Elliott could evolve into the player many envisioned: a left-footed maestro dictating rhythm, tempo, and chance creation in a league that rewards guile as much as graft.

The radar chart above provides a revealing snapshot of Harvey Elliott’s performance metrics over the past 365 days, benchmarked against fellow midfielders. Despite playing just 709 minutes, the data confirms what many already suspect: Elliott is an elite attacking talent whose strengths lie almost entirely in possession and creativity—though the glaring defensive gaps may explain why his Liverpool future is under scrutiny.

Attacking Output: Off the Charts

Elliott ranks in the 99th percentile for assists, shot-creating actions, xAG (expected assisted goals), and non-penalty goals. He also hits 98th–99th percentile marks for non-penalty xG and the combined xG + xAG metric. These are exceptional numbers, placing him among the most potent attacking midfielders in Europe, pound for pound. Quite simply, when Elliott is on the ball in the final third, he delivers.

This data aligns with his eye-test profile: a player who thrives in tight spaces, plays progressive passes, and consistently creates goal-scoring opportunities. His ability to thread passes or take shots in and around the box remains one of his key calling cards.

Possession Play: Composed and Productive

Elliott also excels in possession metrics. He scores in the 90s for pass completion, progressive passes, progressive carries, and progressive passes received, highlighting his composure on the ball and his centrality in transitional phases. His 99th percentile ranking for touches is particularly notable given his limited minutes—demonstrating how involved he is whenever he’s on the pitch.

His successful take-ons (91st percentile) also reflect his confidence to beat a man and commit defenders, a rare trait for a central midfielder and one that further suggests he’d thrive in a system that prioritises technical superiority and patient build-up play—like many Serie A clubs.

Defensive Work: The Elephant in the Room

Where Elliott’s numbers fall dramatically is in the defensive third. He ranks 1st percentile for tackles and interceptions, and just 12th for aerial duels won, raising serious questions about his off-the-ball intensity. These figures likely fuel the belief within Liverpool’s coaching staff that he lacks the defensive bite needed for a pressing-heavy system.

While he surprisingly ranks 72nd percentile for clearances, it’s not enough to mask the overall defensive shortcomings. For a club transitioning under Arne Slot—who prizes structure and intensity—this is a key reason why Elliott’s role may be reduced.

Conclusion

The chart underlines Elliott’s immense attacking upside and elegant possession play, but also highlights why a move—perhaps to Serie A—could unlock his full potential in a less physically demanding system.